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Traffic Mgt: Obaseki Assures FRSC Of Support, Wants Strong Collaboration With EDSTMA

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured the state command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), of support and collaboration in the management of road traffic and reduction of road crashes.

Obaseki gave the assurance when he played host to the new Edo State Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr. Anthony Oko, who called at the Government House, in Benin City.

The governor said that the state will collaborate with the FRSC on traffic management, noting that efforts will be made to strengthen collaboration between the FRSC and the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) to ensure free flow of traffic across the state.

He added that with the state’s status as a transportation hub, there is need for even stronger collaboration between the two traffic management bodies.

Obaseki said, “I acknowledge the role the FRSC is playing to reduce road accident in the country. As a federal agency, the FRSC has the equipment and experience, which I will want EDSTMA to tap from.”

He assured the sector commander that the state government would assist the state command of FRSC to refurbish one of its offices, which was affected by rainstorm.

The Sector Commander, Mr. Oko, expressed appreciation to governor Obaseki for the quick response in rehabilitating the Lucky Way Road, which has eased traffic gridlock experienced in the area in the past.

Oko assured the governor that the Command would continue to work round the clock to ensure that roads in the state are safe for road users.


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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); with the new Commander, Edo Sector Command, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anthony Oko, during a courtesy visit by the Sector Commander to the governor, at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.

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Obaseki Tasks Religious Leaders To Groom Credible Leaders, Pray For Nation’s Unity

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has tasked religious leaders in the country to play active role in grooming God-fearing leaders who will provide credible leadership for the future.

Obaseki made the request on Friday in Benin City, at the Men's Ministries Convention 2018 organised by the Assemblies of God Nigeria, Edo District, themed: “Men, His Agent of His Glory.”

He described the convention as a good ground for leaders of the church to pray for Nigeria to overcome her challenges, adding, “The major problem this country is facing is that of leadership, as most of our past leaders failed us as a country.

“The country is where it is now because of bad leadership. At a time in our history, Nigeria was the largest producer of palm oil. God has specially blessed Nigeria in terms of climate and other natural resources across all parts of the country.”

He maintained that spiritual leaders have an important role to play in praying for the country and contributing to political and economic development, among others.

In his remark, the Church District Superintendent, Rev. Paul Ekeasi, assured that Nigeria would experience good leadership in the country.

Ekeasi offered prayers for Nigeria’s economy to experience a boom that would reduce the level of unemployment in the country.

He urged spiritual leaders to ensure they offer prayers for the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or other considerations.

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R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Managing Director, Presco Nig. Plc., Elder Felix Nwabuko; and Kogi District Superintendent, Assemblies of God, Gabriel Michael; at the 18th Annual Convention of Assemblies of God Church, in Benin City, Edo State, on Friday, July 20, 2018.

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his condolences to the government and people of Benue State as well as the family of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, over the passing of the former CJN.

In a statement, Obaseki said that late Justice Katsina-Alu contributed immensely to Nigeria’s growth and the development of the Judiciary.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Justice Katsina-Alu, former CJN, who served Nigeria meritoriously and bequeathed a vibrant judiciary to us. My condolences go to the Benue State Government and people, the Judiciary, Tse Alu community in Benue State, as well as the late CJN’s family.”

He added that Nigeria would miss the wisdom and wealth of experience of the late CJN, noting, “We are left with the consolation that he served Nigeria creditably."

Obaseki described his death as a huge, irreplaceable loss to Nigeria.

Late Justice Katsina-Alu, was CJN from 2009 to 2011 and hailed from Tse Alu, Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State.

His death was announced on Wednesday.

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Australia Commonwealth Games: Obaseki Announces N7.5m Cash Reward For Edo Athletes, Coaches

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has announced a N7.5 million cash reward for the state's coaches and athletes that participated in the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Australia.

Obaseki announced the reward when he met with the coaches and athletes in Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday.

Each of the six athletes from Edo State who represented the country at the April Games got N1million while the three coaches got N500,000 each.

The governor restated his administration’s commitment to revamp sports in the state through investment in sports infrastructure and support for athletes and coaches.

He maintained that sports development in the state would start from the grassroots as was the practice when the state excelled in local and international sporting events.

"We are setting up a Sports Commission and the bill is in the Edo State House of Assembly. We want to bring in experts in the field to revamp the sector for better outcomes.

"The state places huge premium on grassroots sports development and plans to construct mini-stadia in schools with large fields across the 18 local government areas of the state,” the governor said.

He expressed his gratitude to the athletes and coaches for their commitment and determination to making the state and country proud.

Earlier, the Edo Director of Sports, Airende Sunny, commended the governor for inviting members of the 2018 Commonwealth contingent to the Edo State Government House.

Airende also commended the governor for the ongoing reforms in the state's sports sector especially the renovation of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

He lauded the state government’s plan to build mini-stadia across the 18 local government councils of the state and said the facilities would help develop sports at the grassroots.

He added that the Edo team would leverage the state government’s support to excel in the 2018 National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Abuja later in the year.


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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (4th left, back row); Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Yakubu Gowon (4th right, back row), with coaches and athletes of Edo State origin, who represented the country at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, after a courtesy visit to the governor, at the Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, July 17, 2018.

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The Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held a victory rally to celebrate the success of the party’s candidate in Saturday's governorship election in Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, who has been announced winner of the polls.

The Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, who addressed members of the Party at the rally held at the APC Secretariat in Benin City, congratulated Dr. Fayemi, noting that the victory of the party in Ekiti is an indication that the APC will win the 2019 general elections.

He noted, “This is a good sign for the APC. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stole Fayemi's victory in 2014 not minding that he performed well; he was patient and now has won the election in 2018.”

Akerele said “I am confident that Fayemi will deliver the dividends of democracy as he will continue from where he stopped in 2014 to bring development to the people of Ekiti State, as well as improve the socio-economic life of the people of the state.”

“Edo people congratulate Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and the Ekiti people for the return of APC to power. The PDP introduced stomach infrastructure but Fayemi brought development to the people of the state.”

He said the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has proved his worth by delivering on his first major assignment for the party, and prepares for the next hurdle in Osun State.

Noting that the victory is well-deserved, he said, “The victory of the APC in Ekiti State has shown that Nigerians have confidence in the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to all.

The APC South-South Zonal Youth Leader, Gabriel Iduseri, expressed appreciation to the youth for standing with Fayemi during the governorship election, adding, “Development is now sure for Ekiti people who have been in captivity under Ayodele Fayose.”

Iduseri urged the youth “to continue to support the party as we prepare for 2019 which we are sure to win.”

The Youth Leader of the APC in Edo State, Valentine Asuen, said Ekiti people are in for a good time as the party will bring development to the people, adding, “We are ready for 2019. We are confident that the party will sweep the polls in the 2019 general election.”

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Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele (3rd right); Youth Leader, Edo State Chapter, All Progressives Congress (APC), Valentine Asuen (right); South South Zonal Youth Leader, APC, Gabriel Iduseri (2nd left); and others, during a rally to celebrate the victory of Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, the APC’s candidate in Ekiti governorship election, in Benin City, on Sunday, July 15, 2018

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Benin Storm Water Project: Edo Govt Inspects Construction Work, Assures Of Completion

Edo State Government has assured that work on the Benin Storm Water Project, which will address flooding and erosion in Benin City, is on course and that the government is committed to its completion.

Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Omuoa Alonge Oni-Okpaku, said this during inspection of on-going work at the Uwelu axis of the Benin Storm Water Project.

Oni-Okpaku said that the project which will provide succour for residents of Benin City and mitigate the impact of flooding as well as other environmental challenges.

According to her, “The Uwelu East and West Storm Water Masterplan Project is about 70 per cent completed. Currently, the drains along the powerline is cleaned up.

“Proper concrete is used in constructing the drains to allow for proper flow of flood in the channel towards Ogba River. The project is still ongoing.”

The ambitious engineering project with a mix of deep channels, canals and underground receptacles, will on completion, de-flood hitherto flooded areas in the city.

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Edo State Government officials with contractors during inspection of on-going work at the Uwelu axis of the Benin Storm Water Project, in Benin City.

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Human Trafficking: Obaseki Advocates Skill-Based Migration At Diaspora Town Hall Meeting, As Group Lauds His Achievements


The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that Edo indigenes migrating to other parts of the world stand a better chance at life if they are equipped with on-demand skills to make them globally competitive.

Governor Obaseki, who said this during a town hall meeting with indigenes of Edo under the aegis of Great Benin Origins (GBO) Worldwide, in Brussels, Belgium, noted that the state government is already working out modalities for Edo youth to develop these skills in the state.

He kicked against the activities of human traffickers, who have given the state a bad name, noting that the state government is firming arrangements with local and international partners to train youth in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), so that they can be globally competitive.

“Instead of all these people coming in to take money from these children, you can come, we will register you, we will train you, we will certify you and give you visas to go and work abroad. That is how it is done in other countries.

“Our people are very important, and I am calling on you to join me in laying the foundation for the future,” he said.

He lauded the group for working assiduously in sustaining the Benin identity, calling for a united front in the quest to develop the state.

According to him, “Let us not make ourselves sub-minorities. Let us show unity and strength in numbers. So, we must make sure we come together, and reach out to others as Edo people.

“We are doing other things in the area of infrastructure. That is the one you will see. We are rebuilding our road networks. Thank God we have a well-planned like city”

President, Great Benin Origins (GBO) Worldwide, Engr. Isaac Igbinosun, lauded the governor for his leadership style, commitment to attracting investment to the state and initiatives on youth development.

“We are proud of you, we are proud of your achievement since you took over the leadership of governing our state, Edo. We feel safe each time we look at what you are doing. We are solidly behind you and anytime we are called upon, we will be there to contribute our quota back home. It is always said that no matter where you go, home is home. We are very proud of you, we encourage you to continue,” Igbinosun said.

The Great Benin Origin (GBO) is a social cultural organisation that seeks to bring all Edo indigenes in diaspora under one umbrella with the purpose of restoring the lost glory of the great Benin Kingdom, promoting the Edo culture and tradition and assisting the economic development of the state.

Igbinosun noted that some of the programmes of the group in promoting the preservation of Edo cultures include sponsorship of Edo culture and language competitions, award of scholarships to primary and secondary schools’ students as well as organising a diaspora state workers’ programme for the youth.

He urged the state government to continue with the reforms on the ease of doing business, as members of the group are interested in investing in various aspects of the state’s economy with focus on agriculture and food security.

The group also applauded the governor on his initiatives to improve the security architecture and guarantees on the sanctity of contracts, noting that these would endear the state to investors.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Commissioner for Justice and Chairman, Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe (left); and President, Great Benin Origins, Engr. Isaac Igbinosun, during the Town Hall Meeting, in Brussels, Belgium.

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L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Edo State Public Procurement Agency, Henry Imogiemhe Idogun; Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; representative of the Governor and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Kingsley Ehigiamusor; and Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Jimoh Ijegbai, during the one-day workshop on Public Procurement organised for Principal Officers of the state’s 18 Local Government Councils, in Benin City, Edo State.

Public Procurement Reform: Obaseki Reaffirms Commitment, Urges LGAs To Sustain Momentum

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustain ongoing reform in public procurement, urging local government councils to abide by the dictates of the law to sustain accountability and transparency in governance.

Obaseki who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osariodion Ogie Esq., made the submission at the one-day workshop on Public Procurement organised for Principal Officers of the state’s 18 Local Government Councils, in Benin City, Edo State.

The workshop was organised by the Edo State Public Procurement Agency (EDPPA), to equip officials of Local Government Councils with the fundamentals of Public Procurement in line with the Edo State Procurement Law, 2012.

The governor noted, "This administration has existed for over 18 months and no petition has been written against us to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). This is because, at the state government level, we follow the procurement law processes. We want you at the local council level to emulate us.”

He said principal officials in local government councils need to be kept abreast of the procurement policies to enable them sustain good governance ideals at the grassroots.

He added that the principal officers from the 18 local government councils were the first set of local government officials in the state to be trained on the essentials of procurement.

Obaseki urged them to be familiar with the State Procurement Law to avoid fraudulent practices that will warrant investigation and prosecution by graft agencies.

“In Edo State today, all contracts above N10 million must be published on the website of the state’s Public Procurement Agency,” he added.

In his presentation entitled: Public Procurement: A Recipe for Good Governance and Economic Development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, EDPPA, Mr. Henry Imogiemhe Idogun,noted that the workshop was organised to deepen procurement reform in the state especially at the council level.

Idogun said the workshop was organised to ensure that council officers avoid mismanagement of funds and corrupt practices during procurement processes, noting, “Good procurement practices reduce cost and ensure value for money, and provide timely results. While bad procurement practices breed corruption.”

The Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Jimoh Ijegbai, said the workshop would enlighten the participants on the essence of public procurement laws.

Ijegbai noted, “We have in place a system of reportage and a Directorate of Monitoring, this is important to avoid abandoned projects across the state.”

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L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Edo State Public Procurement Agency, Henry Imogiemhe Idogun; Representative of Governor Godwin Obaseki and Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Kingsley Ehiagiamusor, during the one-day workshop on Public Procurement organised for Principal Officers of the state’s 18 Local Government Councils, in Benin City, Edo State.

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The Edo State Government has concluded plans to partner the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the construction of an Emergency Ambulance Bay at Irrua, in Esan Central Local Government Area, Edo State.

Speaking during a visit to the proposed site for the bay at Irrua, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Mr. Yakubu Gowon, said the state government was ready to provide structures for first responders to do their job without hinderance.

Gowon said the state government was keen on the execution of the project and was ready to provide all the necessary support, noting, “The initiative for the site was borne a month ago and a proposal was sent to NEMA for its execution.

"We are expecting the facility to be built in a few months from now and are optimistic it will take care of emergencies along the Irrua axis of Benin -Auchi Expressway, going by the high vehicular traffic on the corridor.”

Director General (DG), NEMA, represented by the Agency’s Director, Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Akugbe Iyamu, said the facility would help reduce incidence of death recorded from road accidents along the Irrua axis of Benin -Auchi Expressway.

He noted that the facility would have a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) with medical personnel, who will provide care at the shortest time before referral to the hospital, adding, "We got a proposal from the Edo State Government for NEMA to establish a response facility in the state.”

“The agency is passionate about the initiative and have come to inspect the proposed site for us to replicate the MICU models we have in Abuja, here in the state,” he said.

According to the DG, the site for the project was strategic for a response facility considering its proximity to the Irrua Specialist Hospital.

The Chairman, Esan Central Local Government Council, Dr. Edokpa Waziri, commended the state government for the proactive decision, noting, the Ewu axis of the Benin-Auchi Road had recorded series of road crashes that had claimed lives and property.

Waziri said the land for the facility was provided by the council, adding that the council will continue to support the effort of the state government in provision of essential amenities.

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R-L: Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Special Duties, Mr. Yakubu Gowon; Representative of Director General (DG), Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Director, Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Akugbe; Chairman, Esan Central Local Government Council, Dr. Edokpa Waziri, during a visit to proposed site for an Emergency Ambulance Bay at Irrua, in Esan Central Local Government Area, Edo State.

Obaseki Deploys Quality Assurance Personnel To Public Primary Schools To Oversee Teaching

…Okays mentoring for teachers, daily review of teachers’ activities


The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the deployment of Quality Assurance personnel to public primary schools across the state.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education and Acting Chairman, Edo SUBEB, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin City, the state capital.
She explained that the decision is in line with the state government’s strategy to strengthen the inspectorate arm of the primary education sub-sector for better monitoring of the impact of the ongoing reform in the sector.

“The deployment follows the revamp of the Inspectorate Division. Qualified and outstanding teachers already in the public school system are being recruited and trained for this role and deployed on a ratio of one quality assurance staff to 10 schools,” the governor’s aide said.

On the specific roles of the Quality Assurance personnel, Dr. Osa Oviawe said, “They are to visit schools every day and send their reports to SUBEB on a daily basis using their digital devices. The Quality Assurance personnel will monitor teachers on their teaching as well as take inventory of teaching aid and equipment in the schools, including what works and what is broken.”

The Edo SUBEB Acting chairman, further said that “As part of Governor Obaseki's Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) initiative, a new role has been created in the sector, called Learning and Development Officers. These people will be trained to become Edo-BEST trainers and mentors of teachers.”

According to her, “Once the Quality Assurance team visits a school and identify areas of improvement, the Learning and Development Officer will visit the school and provide ongoing training and support to teachers.

“A third group of staff is the Social Mobilisation Officers. They are to work with the community, the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) to ensure that there is good synergy between the school and community.

“All these staff will be assigned 10 schools each that they will to visit on a daily basis and provide support. The Social Mobilisation Officers will be responsible for sensitisation on Child sexual abuse, enforcement of the Child Rights Law and related issues.”

World Cities Summit: Obaseki, Singaporean President, Global City Leaders Examine Barriers To Smart City Initiative

The Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the President of Singapore, Halimah Yacob, Minister of National Development and Second Minister for Finance, Singapore, Lawrence Wong; with over one hundred representatives of national and municipal governments as well as leading private sector players in cities development, at the weekend began deliberations on how to eliminate challenges to sustainable cities at the World Cities Summit in Singapore.

The meeting of experts organisers say, "is an exclusive platform for government leaders and industry experts to address livable and sustainable city challenges, share integrated urban solutions and forge new partnerships.”

Jointly organised by Singapore’s Centre for Livable Cities and Urban Redevelopment Authority, the biennial summit, features the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize; the annual World Cities Summit Mayors Forum; and World Cities Summit Young Leaders Symposium.

In his contributions at the global summit, Obaseki made a case for smarter cities that would rely on information and communication technology (ICT) for the efficient management of cities’ assets and resources.

The governor’s smart city proposition, according to experts“ is an urban center that uses different types of electronic data collection sensors to supply information which is used to manage assets and resources efficiently.

“This includes data collected from citizens, devices, and assets that is processed and analysed to monitor and manage traffic and transportation systems, power plants, water supply networks, waste management, law enforcement, information systems, schools, libraries, hospitals, and other community services.

“The smart city concept integrates information and communication technology (ICT), and various physical devices connected to the network (the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimise the efficiency of city operations and services and connect to citizens. Smart city technology allows city officials to interact directly with both community and city infrastructure and to monitor what is happening in the city and how the city is evolving.”

Organisers explained that the “World Cities Summit Mayors Forum is an annual by-invitation-only global event for city leaders to discuss pressing urban issues and share best practices with one another.

“The peer-to-peer platform invites mayors and senior leaders from international organisations and the industry to exchange experiences in developing integrated urban solutions, building economic and environmental resilience, engaging with communities and sustaining a high quality of life in urban regions. Participants will hear from each other on innovations and changes they are implementing in their cities, and how these are managed.”

Obaseki will showcase the impact of the revamped Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) in the state, the agency’s civil but firm approach to traffic management after months of training and the positive reception and feedbacks from road-users months after its revamp.

He will also showcase the work of the Edo State Geographic Information Service Agency (EGIS), the Ministry for Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Land Bureau that are working together in generating land data for development, easing transfer of land titles and in obtaining Certificate of Occupancy as well as the simplification and speedy issuance of approvals for businesses amongst others.

The Edo State delegation has the Managing Director of the Edo Geographic Information Service Agency, Architect Frank Evbuomwan, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Edorodion Oye Erimona, the chairmen of Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha and Egor local government areas.

The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Lecture & Forum, a major feature of the Summit, recognises outstanding international initiatives for city excellence by outstanding individuals and organisations who have contributed urban initiatives, policies or projects which epitomise foresight, good governance or innovation in overcoming the challenges faced by cities.

The organisers further said that the Lecture and forum discussions will focus on four key pillars that are instrumental to the success of every city and its quality of urban life - livability, vibrancy, sustainability and quality of life.

The World Cities Summit Young Leaders Symposium is an annual gathering of a select group of change-makers from diverse sectors who shape the global urban agenda where the decisions that leaders make today will impact more than half of the world's population. The World Cities Summit Young Leaders Symposium provides a platform for discourse on pressing urban issues and to launch initiatives to tackle the challenges of urbanisation such as planning for urbanisation and preparing cities to be inclusive by creating better access to opportunities such as affordable housing, sustainable transportation, accessible education and meaningful employment.

With participants drawn from Europe, North and Latin America, Middle East, Asia and Africa and the Oceania, the summit will also feature a series of high-level plenary sessions which provide strategic insights from senior city and organisational leaders on the interplay of leadership and governance and the latest debate on livability and sustainability. The Plenary sessions will be complemented by thematic tracks for in-depth discussion of specific urban issues.

Source: http://thebellng.com/world-cities-summit-obaseki-singaporean-president-global-city-leaders-examine-barriers-to-smart-city-initiative/

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (second left) with the state delegation to the World Cities Summit, holding from July 8-12, in Singapore.

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Director, Sales/Operations, Nissan South Africa, Jim Dando, speaking at the Edo Automotive Industry Investment Forum, held in Benin City, Edo State.

Obaseki's Industrialistion Drive: Why We Are Interested In Benin Auto Park – Volkswagen, Nissan, Others

As the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, works to expand the investment inflow into the state, key players in the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), including Volkswagen, Jaguar Land Rover, Bosch, Toyota, Nissan, among others, have said that they are interested in working with the State Government on the development of the Benin Auto Park because of the state’s strong commitment to industrialisation and its welcoming policy frameworks.

Members of the AAAM, who disclosed this during the Edo Automotive Industry Investment Forum, in Benin City, said that the association has been keeping a tab on Nigeria, following closely the work of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and was excited with the proposal of the Edo State government to set up the Benin Auto Park.

They said that the close proximity of the park to the Benin Industrial Park and the Benin-Sapele Road Auto dealership corridor posed a tantalizing investment prospect, noting that the association is attracted to governments with clear-cut policy frameworks to attract and safeguard investments.

Chairman and Managing Director of Volkswagen South Africa, Mr. Thomas Scheafer, who spoke at the Forum, said that the delegation came on the mandate of their parent companies, and that they will consider making Edo the nucleus of their investment in Nigeria’s automotive industry.

According to him, “We are from the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM). We have the mandate of our parent companies to be here. What we are trying to do in Nigeria is to reach out in a brotherly fashion and say to you, ‘come on, let’s get this done.’

“For years, we have been discussing with the government. But now we are committed to finding out ways on how to get Nigeria to where it should be and play its role on the continent.”

Noting that Nigeria has a large automotive industry that is worth exploring he noted, “Nigeria is good for at least two million cars a year. That will multiply the jobs on the continent. So where does it start?Edo State will be the nucleus for us. It will create employment at the downstream for industries involved in manufacturing.”

Emphasising that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s commitment to driving the state’s diversification was a major pull, he said, “It is good to talk with the people in Abuja and we are ready to come to invest in this country. Last week, we invested in Rwanda, one of the smallest countries on the continent. Why? Because they have great policies and because they wanted to create employment. In Rwanda, we put our money where our mouth is. We are ready to invest in Nigeria and today, we are happy with what we have seen in Edo State and the commitment of the governor.”

Director, Sales/Operations, Nissan South Africa, Jim Dando, said that the automotive industry was excited about the wave of diversification in Nigeria, particularly in the automotive sector, noting that it was pleasurable that Edo State government was taking the lead.

According to him, “We have been discussing the industrialisation of Nigeria for some time now. With the previous government, we were able to create an industrial and automotive policy. What we need to do now is to put the automotive policy in place and drive it with states like Edo.”

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Chairman and Managing Director of Volkswagen South Africa, Mr. Thomas Scheafer, speaking at the Edo Automotive Industry Investment Forum, with Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), and other members of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), during the forum, held in Benin City.